We devoured the soup Buch cooked for us within a few minutes, to say we were hungry would be an understatement. Raven and Elsword kindly volunteered to clean up after our dinner was finished. The remaining team members sat in silence as we awaited the new information Buch has obtained.

"Aisha, before I start I would like you to know one thing." Buch said sternly. Aisha replied with a small nod. "Your sister is not a bad person. I would like you to calm down and try to put yourself in her shoes, as her twin I am sure you are the only one who can truly understand her."

Aisha averts her eyes away from Buch," I'll try." She responded hesitantly while playing with her thumbs.

"On to the important note." Buch folds his hands together. "Speka did not come here to cause evil, she had two reasons to come to Bethma. One was because she sensed a strong vibe of Dark Magic in this area. Being a Dark Mage she wanted to investigate, perhaps she could find something to help strengthen her powers." Buch looked sternly at Aisha.

"The second reason was because of her grandfather. During her trip here she bumped into her grandfather, she wanted to retreat but he sensed her presence before she had time to leave."

Something sparked in immediately in Aisha's eyes,"did she attack him?" She blurt out worriedly.

"Fear not, Aisha, your sister did not lay a hand on him." Buch reassured. "He invited her to walk with him, from what she said your grandfather seemed delighted to see her again."

"Oh." Aisha mumbled; she shamefully sunk into her seat.

"Speka found it odd how he asked her about the different types of spells that can be performed with Dark Magic." Buch continued. "After telling him of all she knew her grandfather gave her a hug. He told her of how he still loves his young grand-daughter and was sorry that he was not there when everyone went against her. Long story short, Speka forgave her grandfather and agreed to visit her mother with him after he was finished his quest - according to Speka he didn't reveal much about his quest here until the end."

How is such information important? Eun growled. It is a waste of our time.

'Shush, Eun, he's doing this for Aisha.'

"Before he left, her grandfather said something very strange. He told her to search for his body on the mountains, with structures imitating the lizard's lake, if he does not return after 3 days."

"So that's why she was in the village." Eve noted. "She was probably wanting to know more about these mountains and the lake."

"The lake he spoke of must be Bethma Lake," I began piecing together the bits. "But what is he referring to when he says; the mountains with structures imitating the lizard's lake?"

Buch folded his arms," here is where this old alchemist comes in handy." His once warm and welcoming tone is now replaced with a stern and serious one. "I don't normally grant warriors such a valuable piece of information, but I have seen your performance and I can say without a doubt I trust your team."

"Buch, you're referring the the dragon's location, right?" Chung asked. The elder made eye contact with him, both parties looked at each other tensely.

"It is known as the Dragon Nest." He began slowly. "A great beast covered with scorching flames resides within those mountains. Its entrance has been blocked off by a pile boulders, but I know that Dark Mage has broken into the lair."

"Then that must be where Aisha's grandfather is." Eve concluded with a yawn. Fatigue hit me at the sight of her loud yawn - I nearly forgot how tired I am today. "Will you be accompanying us on this journey?"

"I will only slow your team down. I will instead entrust your team with an ancient map, the map alone will be enough to guide you towards your target."

I scoot out of my chair, "we are honoured to be entrusted with such a valuable artifact." I bowed politely. "Rest assure we will take good care of the map."

"We will indeed!" Elsword piped in while turning off the tap. His eyes landed on Buch," I know we agreed to help search for the dragon's power; but can you tell Stella we'll help her out later? After hearing your concerns I would like to go to this Dragon Nest tomorrow. If we go we may have a good chance of taking down that mage before he gets out of hand, and we may also be able to save Aisha's grandfather."

"In that case I will prepare some potions for your team tomorrow." Buch helped himself out of his seat. "Your team should sleep for now, let me worry about your supplies." He averted his attention towards Chung. "Young man, your team will need all the help they can get, so do your best out there in the battle field."

Chungs smirked at the thought of joining us for the fight," you bet I will." He pumped his fist in the air.

Looks like the team is finally back together again.

Sleep - as usual - didn't settle well with me. Like clock work I woke up at my usual time with the usual nightmares. Seeing how everyone is still in a deep slumber I decided to take in some early morning air outside, it was also a perfect time to talk to Eun about today's plan. I'm sure Eun is fairly excited at the new hunt for the El Shard, thus willing to provide us with much help during the mission.

I suspect the shard to be the element of fire. Eun began once I stepped outside. Although fire is a harmful element this shard is not considered the most dangerous one.

'You mean there's another shard more harmful than fire?' The first El Shard was already really dangerous, I can't imagine something even worse than that.

Indeed there is. There is a shard which must be taken seriously and must be handled with caution. Ara, when we locate this shard I ask that you stay away from it. Wait for another team mate, preferably someone who is strong emotionally and mentally, to handle it.

'Why? What makes that shard so different?' I challenged - feeling a bit agitated at Eun's low confidence in me.

You have been scarred from the past, child. This shard digs deep into a person's soul, searching for their worst fears and weaknesses. It uses their own weaknesses against them, often sending them down a road towards insanity. I fear that you will be unable to handle your emotions when this shard uses the past against you.

'I see.' I rub my burning eyes. 'As long as I cling on to the past I'll be unable to handle that shard.'

Correct.

There is no way I could recover from the things I saw that day. Even if I wanted to forget, those memories will forever linger in my head.

We will worry about this another time. Eun quickly changed the subject. For now we must concentrate on the mission today. I suspect the Dark Mage has not obtained the El Shard yet, if this theory is correct the dragon cannot be resurrected. We will need to put all our efforts and power into defeating him before he can find it.

'At the end of the day, we'll still need to locate that El Shard; but where would we start looking?'

I suspect that alchemist knows where its location may be. He is a wise lizard and could probably help relocate the Shard.

Just as I was about the reply the wooden door creaked open, a familiar dark aura emitted from the person on the other side," I thought I sensed someone out here." Aisha's voice whispered - I knew better than it assume it was my friend.

"Speka," I moved aside - allowing her to step out. Eun and I studied her closely as she gingerly closed the door behind her. "What are you doing out here?" I asked.

"Suspecting me again eh?" She shook her head; a small smile formed on her lips. "You're just like my sister."

"Answer the question." Eun blurt out. Interest sparked in the mage's eyes at the sound of Eun's voice.

"I wonder how long you've been possessed with that demon." She thought out loud. "It must be great to have such a creature to accompany you."

Regaining control I ask," are you out here for some fresh air as well?"

Speka shrugged," I've always liked star-gazing." She tilted her head up. "The sky is much more beautiful at night."

"I know what you mean." I replied hesitantly. "You don't get to see the tiny stars during the day."

Speka smiled - an actual genuine smile," I used to drag Aisha out at night, she never liked breaking the rules, but she willingly went with me one night. I remember how happy we were when we looked up at that magical night sky and how carefree she was at the time."

Her short story hit home for me," your story reminds me of my older brother." I confess - not really knowing why I'm even opening up to her. "We used to do everything together, from star gazing to origami folding." I chuckled at the memories." He's missing now, and sometimes I really wish we could return to the simpler days. Days where we could play without a single care in the world."

"You seem to love your brother very much." Speka averted her eyes toward me. "Sometimes it's hard to believe, but I still love my family - especially my sister. It's not easy to forget all the good times we shared with one another."

"Yeah." As much as I try to push back the happy memories I can never forget them, they will always be lingering at the back of my mind.

Speka placed a hand on my shoulder," demon lady, I don't know you very well, but I know that you really cherish your older brother - you look up to him as a hero." She smiled sadly." I'm sure you'll understand what it was like the day I reunited with Aisha."

At that moment I felt something click. My eyes grew misty at the realization of Speka's thought process and emotions. Without another exchange in words Speka made her way back inside.

I am left alone, with only the twinkling stars to accompany me.

"Here are some potions to help deal with pain." Buch held up several small plastic containers with a strange pink liquid inside. "Each of you will be given a small leather bag, each one is loaded with all the potions, and water which will be needed for today's mission." The alchemist turned to me," Ara, Stella has brought your Phoru here a little while ago. It's waiting for you outside. As for Elsword, I have loaded your bag up with the map to the Dragon's Nest. Please handle it with care."

"Thanks for the supplies." Aisha replied while strapping on her leather bag. "This battle may be our final one, none of us here knows if we'll return or not, so while I am still alive I must thank you for all of your assistance. I will also apologize in advance if we come back empty handed."

"I am certain your team will do fine." Buch smiled warmly at each of us. His confidence in our team made my stomach turn, failure is no longer an option; we can't let this village down.

"We promise to put an end to all of this." Elsword piped in proudly. "Our team has been through many battles together, a simple Dark Mage won't fathom us!"

"We mustn't forget Speka will be joining us today." Eve pointed out. Aisha's eyes seem to narrow at Eve's statement. "Aisha, I ask that you will work with your sister today. For our sake and the sake of the entire village, please do not fight with one another."

"Whatever," she frowned deeply. "But if she decides to betray us I'll fight her to the death!"

I highly doubt Aisha will have the courage to kill her own sister.

"How rude of you!" Speka glares at her twin. "Thinking so lowly of me!"

"You get no say in this!" Aisha snapped back.

I fight off the urge to snap at Aisha, joining into the argument will only cause more trouble. The last thing I need is to get on Aisha's bad side.

"Chung, please be careful when you are in battle today." Buch turned his attention to Chung. "You have just recovered and I do not want you to get yourself into any more danger."

"Don't worry I'll be fine." He reassured - resting his heavy cannon on his shoulder. "Elsword, when will we be leaving?"

"We'll depart right away!" Elsword exclaimed. Everyone prepared their weapon at the sound of his statement. "Don't let your guard down, everyone! This mission will not be easy so do not run off by yourself; understood?"

"Yes, sir!" We reply in unison; but I have a feeling that order was most likely directed towards me.

Elsword smiled proudly at us, like a father admiring his grown up kids," alright team let's head out!"

Without another word we hurry out Buch's small house, Yang excitedly greeted our team as pour out of the house.

Seeing how Elsword has the map we all agreed that he will be riding on Yang. The hike through the hot rocky terrain was no walk in the park, we hiked through many dangerous paths and unstable roads. Despite the danger we were in everyone continued to laugh and talk - well mostly everyone - it was our way of coping with the stress.

"Are we there yet?" Aisha whined loudly. "I'm almost out of water!"

"Have some patience will you?!" Elsword holds the map closely to his face. "According to this we should be almost there."

"We probably got lost!" Raven grunted. "We should've got Eve or Aisha to read the map!"

"Excuse me, Raven, but I am totally capable of reading this thing!" Elsword snapped back angrily.

"Useless human." Eve joins in with crossed arms. Her drones nod in agreement.

"Not you too!"

Your team mates are shameful. I have seen warriors more mature than them.

'Give them a break, Eun. Everyone is tired, stressed, and frustrated. I think they should have the right to let loose some anger.'

Their coping methods are very childish.

I nearly fell head first onto the ground at the sudden punch on my back. Glancing back I glared icily at Chung. "Do you have some extra water?" He asked - wiping his sweat drenched forehead. "I'm already out."

"You expect me to get you water after you attacked me?" I frown; this kid is ridiculous.

He shrugged, "it was your fault for being off guard." He simply pointed out. "Now do you have water or what? I don't have all day."

Sighing I rummaged through the small leather bag," if I die of dehydration my ghost will come back and haunt you!" I pulled out the small plastic water bottle. Chung snatched it out of my hand instantly.

"Stop being so dramatic." He quickly gulps down the water. "A pest like you won't die that easily."

I can feel my face heating up from anger. This guy is a total jerk; so why do I continue to act all nice to him? It makes no sense! Shame on him for acting so rude to me and shame on me for helping him out!

Something is wrong. Eun's voice catches my attention. The ground is trembling.

I gingerly balance myself on the shaking ground, Chung and I exchange glances as the rumble gradually grew stronger.

"Watch out everyone!" Elsword screamed. Looking up ahead I gasedp at the large boulder hurdling toward us. In one swift move we each hurry out of its way, my body froze as the boulder skimmed past me. If I was an inch closer I'd be crushed.

I place my hand over my chest, feeling my heart knock back in response. I gingerly helped myself back up, at this point my legs felt like jelly; I could barely keep myself balanced.

"Is everyone okay?" Elsword called out to us loudly. We weakly respond back to his call.

"We have to proceed further with caution." Raven began while dusting himself clean. " I suspect someone may have sent that boulder flying down."

"Or it could just simply mean the rocks in this area is very unstable." Eve pointed out matter-of-factly. "We have no evidence that someone sent it down."

"Either way we have to proceed through this area quickly." Elsword ordered. He readjusts himself on Yang's saddle. "The faster we get through this the better." He briefly glanced back. "Is everyone ready?"

Aisha hopped onto her staff," let's get going!"

We each take off into a sprint. I swiftly glide past Chung and Raven, quickly catching up to Elsword along with the twin mages. A familiar tremble sounds beneath us, squinting I can make out the faint shape of another boulder hurdling towards us. We hurriedly split up, removing ourselves from the boulder's path.

"I can see someone up ahead." Aisha raises herself higher in the air. Her eyes narrow. "I can see the faint shape of a lizardman."

"It could be the Dark Mage." Speka thought out loud. She quickly hops on her staff, "I'll fly ahead and confront him." Before any of us could object she went flying off.

"That idiot." I could hear Aisha grumble under her breath. "Elsword, let's pick up the pace!"

Nodding he gestures Yang to increase its speed. I growled at the sight of the lizard ahead, even from a distance I can hear Speka and the lizard engaging in battle. Without thinking I jump high into the air, positioning my spear I unleashed my Falling Dragon attack.

I could hear Elsword cursing as I hurdled head first at the enemy," Speka, look out!" I warned. The mage quickly teleported away just as I land my attack.

"You little brat!" The lizard hit me with his sword. I quickly double back before he could land another hit on me.

It appears this lizard has taken the place of the Dark Mage.

I could feel my muscles weakening at the familiar foe,"I-I can't attack him." I weakly hold up my weapon. "H-he has a son waiting for him to r-return, I-I can't kill him."

A hand gently rests on my shoulder; I turned to meet Speka in the eye," if you cannot fight I will take your place." Her grip tightened around her staff. "Plasma Cutter!" Speka reached out as several laser beams rush toward the lizard. I gasp in horror as the lizard cried out in pain from the attack.

"Please stop!" I beg. "Please his son needs-"

"Just because this lizard is a father doesn't mean we can let him go!" Speka cuts me off mid-sentence. "This lizard will fight us even if we don't fight back. We don't have any other options!"

"But-"

"You should know that a kill is just part of the job!" She snapped. "If you knew the tragic background of each and every foe would you spare them all? Would you allow each one to get away?"

"But this lizard is under someone's control." I weakly pointed out. "I-it would be wrong to kill him."

"It would also be wrong to just let him continue to do wrong." Speka said softly. "If it makes you feel any better, we'll just take him down. We can figure out what to do with him afterwards."

I guess that would be better than killing him. I just pray that the others won't go full out on him.

"Thanks, Speka." Without another word we spring into action.

Speka and I split up as the lizardman wildly swung his dual swords in multiple directions, making it hard to predict where his next hit will be.

"Space Wrench!" A Nasod shoots an X-shaped shock wave toward the lizardman. This gave Speka and I a chance to land an attack on him.

"Hell Stone!" With a wave of a staff Speka summoned out a one-eyed stone creature. It launches itself at the lizardman, causing continuous damage.

"Flying Kite!" I moved in an intense speed, allowing me to land multiple hits.

"Ara; Speka!" Aisha hurriedly hops off her staff. "Are you two crazy?! Jumping into a battle by yourselves!"

"Nice to know you care." Speka said with a wink. This made Aisha furious, I could see her face reddening with anger.

"Speka, you could've gotten killed by doing that! Not to mention our friend-"

"As much as I like to hear you worry about me, we're in a middle of a battle." Speka interrupted with a wink. "Tell me more about it later, sister dearest."

I glanced back to see rest of our team joining us. Elsword clenched his teeth at our foe," this lizardman." He blurt out. "Please forgive us." He jumps off of Yang's back while reaching back to grab his dual swords.

"Crescent Cut!" He sends out a crescent shaped shock wave toward the lizardman, leaving behind some serious damage.

"Get away you brats!" The lizardman flung his sword toward Elsword; knocking him down almost instantly. I hurry out of the sword's path as it crashes down like a shooting star.

"Heaven's Fist!" Eve summons out a large Nasod fist down on the lizardman. The lizardman barely misses the dangerous attack. Glaring at the Nasod Queen he launches himself towards her, with his other sword ready to pierce through his target.

"Flying Impact!" Raven hurriedly counters the attack. The lizardman brings his sword down at Raven, Raven quickly uses his own sword to stop the lizard's weapon.

Eve used this chance to attack," Illusion Ray!" She sends a beam of energy toward the lizardman. The sudden attack causes him to lose balance.

Chung hurriedly takes this opportunity to finish the battle," Dread Chase!" His army of missiles launch toward the lizardman, with one last cry of pain the lizardman falls silent.

Aisha walks toward the fallen lizardman; sneezing slightly at the cloud of dust surrounding the fallen lizardman," I can still see him breathing." She let's out another sneeze into her arm. "He's just fainted."

It's quite obvious everyone held back in their attack, especially now that we know this lizard is Lucas' father. None of us want to be responsible for his father's death, not after we've got to know the young lizard better.

"What should we do with him?" Eve questioned. She looked around the group, in hopes that one of us has an answer. "I believe no one here wishes to kill him. If so, how can we deal with him now?"

"He'll only cause havoc when reawakened, so leaving him here is not an option." Chung noted. The tone of his voice drops. "Looks like we really need to end his life."

"There must be another way." Raven tightened his fists. "

Elsword looked out at the horizon," daylight is running short. It won't be long before night hits." He frowns. "If we're really going to continue our search for the Dark Mage we need to figure out something quick."

"Is the Dark Mage even here?" I thought out loud. "For all we know he could've left Lucas' father here to distract us."

Raven groans loudly," if that's the case he must be long by now."

"Back to square one, eh?" I sigh, feeling disppointed with our work today. The thought of disappointment among the citizens of Bethma ruined my mood further. They had so much faith in us and yet we have failed to take down the Dark Mage - again.

"Not necessarily." Aisha whispered softly. All heads instantly turn towards her. "Kayak or whatever his name was must've revealed some secrets to Lucas' father. Even if he is only a puppet he must know something."

Raven shook his head," I highly doubt he'll be willing to tell us."

"He might not be willing to tell us, but we can still force the truth out of him." Aisha sheepishly looks at her twin. The tension in the air thickens as the twins stare at one another quietly. "Speka, I understand you are now a Dark Mage but you must remember the spells which was taught to you."

Speka pushes her glasses up," I forgot most of them. Natural magic is of no use to a Dark Mage." She confesses - her eyes never breaking contact with Aisha's.

Aisha's shoulder tense up, I can see she is doing her best to keep herself from losing her temper," do you remember the truth spell; where you are able to force someone spill information out?"

Speka's eyes suddenly brighten. Smiling slyly she replied," of course I remember that one. I was able to obtain so much cash thanks to it."

"The spell is a tough one." Aisha went on - ignoring Speka's previous statement. "A mage can only get so much information out at once, but the spell can last longer if there is more than one caster."

Speka's grin drops. Her cold purple eyes study Aisha carefully," are you asking for my help?" She questions bluntly.

Aisha stiffly nods," Speka, are you willing to help me perform this spell?"

Speka crossed her arms as she continues to study her sister. I exchange glances with the rest of the team, we each send the same confused and tense look to one another. After what felt like hours have passed by Speka unfolds her arms; in a quiet voice she responds.

"Yes, I will help you."

Sorry for the late upload, I was out of town for the weekend. To make up for the late upload I'll be publishing an extra chapter today, so no cliffhangers this week!